Washington Monument050

The Washington Monument is one of Washington's most popular tourist attractions, not only because of its fascinating history, but because it's one of the few places in DC with enough height to offer a really commanding view of the city.

To ascend the tower, topped with an aluminum pyramid that acts as a lightning rod, visitors must first pick up a free, timed-entry ticket, either from the kiosk in front (which is free) or through the National Park Reservation Service at 1.877.444.6777, or online at www.recreation.gov. These will cost $1.50 per ticket. Even with a ticket, you may wait for a while in a line around the base of the monument.

Tickets in hand, line conquered, you take a 72-second elevator ride to the peak, during which a park ranger describes the construction and design of the building. The view is, indeed, worth the fuss you've gone through to get there, but be forewarned: the top is a small enclosed space with little windows that face in each direction. Wheelchairs are allowed, but not strollers. Back or front carriers for little ones are allowed however.

The National Park Service also offers a special staircase tour (the staircase is otherwise closed to the public), in which visitors walk down the Monument's 896 steps and view the memorial stones mounted along the walls, presented to the monument by all 50 states, foreign nations, native groups, and private organizations. These tours are generally daily at 10:30am and 12n if there are enough people interested.

The lobby of the monument houses a statue of Washington, which wasn't installed until 1994! The 6 feet 8 inch, 800 pound statue is a replica of Jean Antoine Houdon's work which stands in Richmond, Virginia. Circling the monument at the exterior of its base are fifty aluminum flagpoles bearing American flags, one for each state in the union.